Coleman's Montana 6 tent is a modified dome-style tent with a 12- by 7-foot floor plan that retails for $169.99. / Special to WNC Parent

Written by

Paul Clark, WNC Parent contributor

So what do you need to camp with the kids? Some basics, but beyond that, not much.

Tent

Like kids, tents come in all shapes and sizes. Letís assume that there are four of you. You can certainly buy a four-person tent, but itís going to be tight in there. The general rule of thumb for spaciousness while car camping (you wouldnít believe how much stuff ends up all around) is to buy a tent that has room for two more people than you actually have. So your family of four would want a six-person tent.

Sounds big, but itís not. A six-person tent with poles, rain≠fly and stakes bundles into a sack about the size of a collapsible festival chair (you know, the ones with cup holders). Itís not the tent youíd want if you were backpacking, but youíre not ó youíre car camping, which means you can afford a little extra weight.

Walmart online (walmart.com) has some pretty cool six-person tents, some by the stalwart camping supply company Coleman, that currently list from $197 to $279. Within that price range are tents designed for up to 10 people.

Sleeping bags

Now that youíve gotten off the ground, youíll want to think about sleeping bags and pads. Donít get more warmth than you need (nothingís worse than sweating inside your sleeping bag, unless itís freezing because youíre sweating). For most family outings during the summer and warm parts of spring and fall, you wonít need a bag rated for less than 32 degrees. Three-season bags with polyester covers can be pretty inexpensive and surprisingly comfortable Ė as long as you have something cushy beneath you.

Inflatable mattresses run the gamut of prices, but if youíll regret scrimping if you donít get a good nightís sleep. Some families use naked foam rubber pads, while others opt for thinner, yet every bit as supportive, sleeping pads, some made of crushable foam, some self-inflating with air.

Cook stove

No doubt youíll want a hearty breakfast when you wake up. Two-burner models (coffee AND pancakes) start around $50 and can easily top $250. Pots and pans you probably already have (cast iron is hard to beat when youíre camping). Buy an inexpensive set of plastic plates, bowls and cups, and youíll be fine.

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A six-cup coffee maker will perk you up. The Gsi Outdoors Glacier 6 Cup Perc, $29.50 at Diamond Brand Outdoors, is made of marine-grade stainless steel and, when you get home, is dishwasher safe.

Lantern

A lantern or two will not only make your site safer (so you donít trip) but also more inviting as you wander back from the comfort station. Most lanterns are LEDs now (some with USB ports), so youíll need extra batteries (though some are solar powered). You can still buy lanterns that burn fuel and use mantels (many people prefer them for their gentler light). Donít forget matches, flashlights, bug spray and sunscreen. Folding chairs are nice.

Diamond Brand Outdoors in Arden has a pocket-friendly 5-inch-tall Egear Grenade lantern that burns for up to 50 hours on AAA batteries.

Furniture

The kids probably wonít mind sitting on the ground or on the picnic table (if you can get them to sit at all). You, however, are going to want something thatís comfortable and maintains your dignity. REI online has its Flex Lite Chair, for $69.50. Designed for backpack portability, this fabric and aluminum camp chair sets up quickly and folds back into a stuff sack.

REI online also offers the ENO DoubleNest Hammock, a nylon hammock built for two that packs up to the size of a grapefruit. It sells for $69.95.